2019 Competition rules

All competitors that complete an application must agree to comply with our competition rules. If you have any queries about any of our rules, please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to clarify anything.

2019 Competition rules

All competitors that complete an application must agree to comply with our competition rules. If you have any queries about any of our rules, please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to clarify anything.

The Rules

1. The Competition is open to singers of all nationalities.

2. The Competition is open to all singers from 20 to 32 years. Age to be taken as of 1st January 2019.

3. There is a non-refundable application fee of €100 payable online as part of the application form.

4. Repertoire for live auditions / video link: Two contrasting arias of own choice, not to exceed 10 minutes. These arias can be repeated in the Competition itself, should the competitor be successful in being accepted.

5. Competition Rounds
Preliminary Round: Competitors to sing 2 contrasting operatic arias, not to exceed 10 minutes in total.Quarter Final: Competitors to sing another 2 contrasting operatic arias, in 2 different languages, not to exceed 15 minutes in total. Semi Final: Competitors to sing a programme, not to exceed 20 minutes, to include at least 2 operatic arias. The remainder of the programme is at the discretion of the competitor and can include other operatic arias, oratorio arias or songs. Final: Competitors to sing a programme of three operatic arias with orchestra – not to exceed 16 minutes in total. You must choose at least two arias that you have NOT performed in a previous round, while one can be a repetition from a previous round. Competitors must select this 16 minute programme from the list of repertoire found below. Note: Operetta Arias are not accepted. Competitors singing Operetta Arias will be disqualified.

6. All arias and songs must be performed from memory and in the original language. Arias must be sung in the original key. Scores are permitted for oratorio arias. No duplication of arias or songs is permitted in the submitted programmes, with the exception of the Final.

7. All Competitors must provide 3 copies of their music, 1 for the accompanist and 2 for the Jury.

8. Strict adherence to time limits must be observed.

9. The order of the performances will be determined by ballot.

10. Competitors who are not available to perform when called upon to do so by the Jury may be disqualified.

11. The decisions of the Jury are final and beyond appeal. The Jury may award or withhold any prize as deemed fit.

12. The First Prize cannot be tied.

13. The winner of the Competition contracts to perform at a gala concert organised by the Singing Competiton within 2 years of the Final.

14. The winner of the Competition will receive €10,000, of which €8000 will be awarded shortly after the Competition Final and €2000 will contribute to the paid engagement of the contracted gala concert, detailed above.

15. Rights to any Competition performance, whether broadcast, televised, recorded or filmed, belong to the Competition. No fee is payable on account of these performances or any recordings, broadcasts, transmissions or film.

16. Official accompanists will be available and rehearsal times will be arranged with them. Competitors may bring their own accompanist if they wish.

17. Competitors must pay their own expenses. Free accommodation in private houses will be offered to competitors only for the duration of their participation in the Competition. Eliminated Competitors wishing to remain in Dublin will be responsible for their own accommodation.

18. Thirty (30) Competitors will be admitted to the Quarter Final. Sixteen (16) Competitors will be admitted to the Semi-Final. Six (6) Competitors will be admitted to the Final. The Jury reserves the right to alter these numbers at its discretion.